Erythromycin and Benzoyl Peroxide

The exact mechanism by which erythromycin reduces lesions of acne vulgaris is not fully known; however, the effect appears to be due in part to the antibacterial activity of the drug.

Benzoyl peroxide has a keratolytic and desquamative effect which may also contribute to its efficacy. Benzoyl peroxide has been shown to be absorbed by the skin where it is converted to benzoic acid.

MICROBIOLOGY

Erythromycin acts by inhibition of protein synthesis in susceptible organisms by reversibly binding to 50 S ribosomal subunits, thereby inhibiting translocation of aminoacyl transfer-RNA and inhibiting polypeptide synthesis. Antagonism has been demonstrated in vitro between erythromycin, lincomycin, chloramphenicol and clindamycin. Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial agent which has been shown to be effective against Propionibacterium acnes, an anaerobe found in sebaceous follicles and comedones. The antibacterial action of benzoyl peroxide is believed to be due to the release of active oxygen.

Erythromycin-Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel is contraindicated in those individuals who have shown hypersensitivity to any of its components.

General

For topical use only; not for ophthalmic use. Concomitant topical acne therapy should be used with caution because a possible cumulative irritancy effect may occur, especially with the use of peeling, desquamating or abrasive agents. If severe irritation develops, discontinue use and institute appropriate therapy.

The use of antibiotic agents may be associated with the overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms including fungi. If this occurs, discontinue use and take appropriate measures.

Avoid contact with eyes and all mucous membranes.

Information for Patients

Patients using Erythromycin-Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel should receive the following information and instructions:

CARCINOGENESIS, MUTAGENESIS AND IMPAIRMENT OF FERTILITY

Data from a study using mice known to be highly susceptible to cancer suggests that benzoyl peroxide acts as a tumor promoter. The clinical significance of this is unknown.

No animal studies have been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic and mutagenic potential or effects on fertility of topical erythromycin. However, long-term (2-year) oral studies in rats with erythromycin ethylsuccinate and erythromycin base did not provide evidence of tumorigenicity. There was no apparent effect on male or female fertility in rats fed erythromycin (base) at levels up to 0.25% of diet.

Pregnancy

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Erythromycin-Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel or benzoyl peroxi de.

There was no evidence of teratogenicity or any other adverse effect on reproduction in female rats fed erythromycin base (up to 0.25% diet) prior to and during mating, during gestation and through weaning of two successive litters.

There are no well-controlled trials in pregnant women with Erythromycin-Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel. It also is not known whether Erythromycin-Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproductive capacity. Erythromycin-Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Nursing Women

It is not known whether Erythromycin-Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel is excreted in human milk after topical application. However, erythromycin is excreted in human milk following oral and parenteral erythromycin administration. Therefore, caution should be exercised when erythromycin is administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness of this product in pediatric patients below the age of 12 have not been established.

In controlled clinical trials, the incidence of adverse reactions associated with the use of Erythromycin-Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel was approximately 3%. These were dryness and urticarial reaction.

The following additional local adverse reactions have been reported occasionally: irritation of the skin including peeling, itching, burning sensation, erythema, inflammation of the face, eyes and nose, and irritation of the eyes. Skin discoloration, oiliness and tenderness of the skin have also been reported.

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC, at 1-800-321-4576 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Erythromycin-Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel should be applied twice daily, morning and evening, or as directed by a physician, to affected areas after the skin is thoroughly washed, rinsed with warm water and gently patted dry.

How Supplied and Compounding Directions:

Prior to dispensing, tap vial until all powder flows freely. Add indicated amount of room temperature 70% ethyl alcohol to vial (to the mark) and immediately shake to completely dissolve erythromycin. Add this solution to gel and stir until homogeneous in appearance (1 to 1½ minutes). Erythromycin-Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel should then be stored under refrigeration. Do not freeze. Place a 3-month expiration date on the label.

NOTE: Prior to reconstitution, store at room temperature between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F).

After reconstitution, store under refrigeration between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).

Do not freeze. Keep tightly closed. Keep out of reach of children.

Rx only

Manufactured for:
Oceanside Pharmaceuticals, a division of
Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC
Bridgewater, NJ 08807 USA

By:
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.
Laval, Quebec H7L 4A8, Canada

©Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC

PLEASE READ COMPLETE
COMPOUNDING DIRECTIONS

NOTE: TAP VIAL UNTIL ALL POWDER FLOWS FREELY. ADD ROOM TEMPERATURE 70% ETHYL ALCOHOL TO VIAL (TO THE MARK) AND IMMEDIATELY SHAKE/DISSOLVE COMPLETELY.

Rev. 10/16
9437502

• Benzoyl Peroxide and Erythromycin

Skin should be clean and dry before applying. For external use only; avoid applying to inside nose, mouth, eyes, and mucous membranes. Wash hands before and after use.

Benzamycin® Pak: Mix right before each use.

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with this combination. Refer to individual monographs.

• Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)

• Patient may experience dry skin. Have patient report immediately to prescriber severe skin irritation or signs of Clostridium difficile (C. diff)-associated diarrhea (abdominal pain or cramps, severe diarrhea or watery stools, or bloody stools) (HCAHPS).

• Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.

Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for health care professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience, and judgment in diagnosing, treating, and advising patients.